Tag: Jr.

[caption id="attachment_16818" align="alignleft"]Nekima Levy-Pounds[/caption]It seems like a case of when keeping it wrong goes real.

What started as a celebration of the Hopkins High School’s cross country ski team qualifying for the state tournament culminated is outrage, signs in protest and the suspension and criminal charges of two African-American students who decried what they felt was racial mockery. And, according to supporters of the African-American students, no disciplinary action was taken against the white students who openly mocked African-Americans.

Candidates interested in becoming Minneapolis’ next mayor gathered this past Sunday (April 7) to discuss their visions for the city; in particular their visions for the city’s African-American community.

[caption id="attachment_16761" align="alignleft"]Michael Davis – Photo by Harry Colbert, Jr.[/caption]For it to ever be a second, there has to be a first.

In Brooklyn Park, Michael Davis is that first … pardon; that is Chief Michael Davis. In 2008 Davis became the first African-American to be named chief of the Brooklyn Park Police Department. Based on the longevity of the past chiefs, Davis could be there for a while. He is only the fourth chief in the city’s 56-year history.

Davis, a native of St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, came to Brooklyn Park after committing 16 years to the Minneapolis Police Department, starting as a patrolman and ascending to the rank of sector lieutenant. The graduate of St. Paul’s St. Agnes High School and Concordia University – holding a master’s in organizational management – said when he was selected chief, race played little role.

“When the city manager hired me he said he believed he hired the best person for the job,” said Davis.

[caption id="attachment_16757" align="alignleft"]Brother Ali – Photo-by-Jonathan Mannion[/caption]It’s Monday afternoon in a cold rehearsal space in St. Paul and Brother Ali is putting in work.Ali is putting the finishing touches on his live band show. He’s got a 12:30 p.m. flight the next day – destination, Cape Town, South Africa. The Rhymesayers artist is playing the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. He’s on the bill with the likes of Jill Scott, the Robert Glasper Experiment, the Brand New Heavies and a host of others. Ali and his band are set to perform on show and Ali will also be a presenter during one of the festivals workshops.

Clad in all black – black Adidas, black jeans and a black hoodie – Ali is totally into the groove that his band, keyboardist, Devon Gray, guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker, and DJ Plain ‘Ol Bill, is laying down. Randy Hawkins, the tour manager is adjusting various knobs on some sound equipment. Everything has to be just right. Time is of the essence.

[caption id="attachment_16693" align="alignleft"]Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey (left) and Deputy Commission of Revenue, Mike Masserman discuss the governor’s budget with residents of north Minneapolis at the Minneapolis Urban League – Photo by Harry Colbert, Jr.[/caption]For years, residents of North Minneapolis have felt slighted by state leaders, but Gov. Mark Dayton and his administration have been making efforts to reach out to citizens on the north side.

[caption id="attachment_16691" align="alignleft"]Paul Dixon (left) and Minneapolis College Preparatory School Student Council President Sarah Chebli (center) listen to Lara Dreier discuss the area’s student achievement gap. – Photo by Harry Colbert, Jr.[/caption]By now, it is no secret that Minneapolis and much of the surrounding Twin Cities has one of the worst student achievement gaps in the nation when it comes to children of color.

[caption id="attachment_16579" align="alignleft"]Weeping, with head in hand, Emilio Miranda Rios, is consoled as he tells of his struggles to survive off of working for the minimum wage of $7.25. – Photo by Harry Colbert, Jr.[/caption]The U.S. Department of Labor and US Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-05) hosted a roundtable discussion to support raising the federal minimum wage.

[caption id="attachment_16577" align="alignleft"]Resource Dislocated Worker Program Director, Nekeisia Booyer details some of the services offered through the program, which is free to those in need of employment opportunities. – Photo by Harry Colbert, Jr.[/caption]With the economy still in flux, many individuals are finding themselves facing layoffs and the daunting task of seeking new employment.

[caption id="attachment_16569" align="alignleft"]RJ with Coach Kill at the U of M Football camp. He received a jersey for being one of the top kids in his grade….. [/caption]Over the last two seasons Richard “RJ” Chakolis, Jr. has been amazing.His wrestling record is 100-1 in Folkstyle Wrestling. He has won back-to-back city championships for Farview Park. He is a two time state champion, winning his weight class last weekend in Rochester. He pinned all of his opponents.

[caption id="attachment_16499" align="alignleft"]Rebel educator Larry Lucio is retiring after more than 40 years of service to students in Minneapolis and St. Paul. – Photo by Harry Colbert, Jr.[/caption]It is said that a society (or a person) shall be judged by what it (or he or she) has done for the least of its citizens.

If in fact that is the case, then Larry Lucio shall be looked upon with much favor.

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